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Gingerbread Cake

A comforting gingerbread cake infused with warm spices and topped with creamy frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 1/4 cups sour cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup very hot water
For the Frosting
  • 12 ounces block-style cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 7 - 8 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 - 3 teaspoons heavy cream
  • Ground cinnamon for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
  3. In another bowl, beat together the sour cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, softened butter, canola oil, molasses, eggs, vanilla extract, and hot water.
  4. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface.
Baking
  1. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and light brown sugar until smooth.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, using heavy cream to adjust the consistency as needed.
Serving
  1. Once cooled, frost the cake with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.

Notes

Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing. For a heartier texture, use some whole wheat flour. You can also add chopped candied ginger or pecans for extra flavor.